Halifax council approves budget

Taxes are staying the same for most residents living within the Halifax Regional Municipality. Payge Woodard

Halifax regional council approved the 2016-17 budget on Tuesday.

Council voted unanimously on an operating budget of $873 million and a capitol budget of $198 million.

Coun. Gloria McCluskey, says taxes won’t go up for most HRM.

The tax rate has technically decreased for residents. Bruce Fisher, manager of financial policy and planning for HRM, says this means 95 per cent of homeowners will pay the same or less than last year on their property tax.

The storm water right-of-way charge will increase from $39 to $42 per property for those residing within the Halifax water service storm area.